Exhortations From Paul 1

1 Cor. 16:13-14 [13] Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. [14] Let all your things be done with charity. 2

Introduction Five powerful statements are given in these two short verses These are not just suggestions, but commands from an inspired apostle 3

1. Be careful 4

Watch Ye This is a term used to describe a soldier on guard duty—watch, be careful, take heed, give strict attention We are to keep awake, be vigilant, be prepared 5

Be on guard against the devil 1 Pet. 5:8-9 [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 6

1 Cor. 10:12-13 [12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. [13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 7

We are to watch for opportunities to do good Gal. 6:10 [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 8

Watch our temper, tongue and speech Js. 1:19 [19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 9

Let us be watchful for the Lord’s coming 1 Th. 5:2,6 [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 10

2. Be Committed 11

Stand Fast In The Faith The faith = the gospel (Jude 3) The admonition here is to be committed—be firm 12

In our daily living 1 Th. 5:21 [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 13

1 Jn.4:1 [1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 14

We can fall away 1 Tim. 4:1 [1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 15

Phil. 4:1, 13 [1] …stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 16

3. Be Courageous 17

Quit Ye like Men quit = to conduct oneself in a particular way “Be brave” NKJV “Act like men” ESV Christianity makes courageous men and women out of sinful men and women 18

Eph. 4:14 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 19

1 Tim. 6:12 [12] Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 20

2 Tim. 2:3-5 [3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 21

[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 22

4. Be Competent 23

Be Strong Paul is speaking of our spiritual strength and not our physical strength Be prepared to meet life's challenges 24

Eph. 6:10 [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might 25

2 Pet. 3:18 [18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 26

We become strong: By studying God’s word By worshipping God regularly, sincerely and in Truth By serving the Lord daily 27

By praying often By having fellowship with other Christians 28

5. Be Charitable 29

Let All Things Be Done With Love Love motivates all Christian service This is the love that can be commanded - a love that we can will to have It desires the best for others, the willing of good for them – the love that keeps us from harming others, even our enemies 30

Love must be real 1 Jn. 3:18 [18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 31

Gal. 5:6 [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 32

Our love for God is seen in our obedience Jn. 14:15 [15] If ye love me, keep my commandments 33

1 Jn. 5:3 [3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous 34